Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore have been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over 10 days. Their return was initially scheduled for June 13 but has been delayed indefinitely due to technical issues with their spacecraft.
NASA had confirmed July 2 as the new re-entry date, but it has not been finalized yet. The ongoing delay raises concerns about the spacecraft’s readiness to safely return the astronauts to Earth.
A CBS News report reveals that both NASA and Boeing leaders were aware of a helium leak in the Starliner before its launch. Despite this knowledge, they deemed the rocket safe for launch, considering the leak too minor to pose a significant risk.
After reaching orbit, the Starliner developed four additional helium leaks, which rendered one thruster unusable. This exacerbated the situation and contributed to the ongoing delay in the astronauts’ return.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that NASA is taking its time and following standard procedures. He emphasized that decisions are being driven by data to manage the helium system leaks and thruster performance issues.
Despite the delays, NASA officials assert that Wilmore and Williams are not stranded and can undock and fly home if necessary. However, the ongoing technical issues cast doubt on the Starliner’s ability to make a safe return trip.
Boeing has faced intense scrutiny over the Starliner’s issues, adding to the criticism it has received for aircraft malfunctions over the past year. Whistleblowers have raised concerns about safety and quality standards at the aerospace company.
Boeing has invested approximately $1.5 billion in cost overruns beyond the initial $4.5 billion contract with NASA. The persistent leaks and technical issues may jeopardize the future of the Starliner program and further damage Boeing’s reputation in the aerospace industry.
US prosecutors have advised senior Justice Department officials to bring criminal charges against Boeing for violating a 2021 deferred-prosecution agreement related to two fatal 737 Max crashes. The Justice Department has until July 7 to decide on potential penalties, which could include new charges or stricter terms for Boeing.
The situation with the Starliner spacecraft has highlighted significant issues within Boeing and NASA’s handling of safety and quality controls. The ongoing delay and technical problems underscore the challenges faced by the aerospace industry in ensuring safe and reliable space travel.